UPSC 2025 Mains GS 1 – Questions With its Demands:
Section A – 150 Words (10 Marks Each)
- Discuss the salient features of the Harappan architecture.
- Examine the main aspects of Akbar’s religious syncretism.
- ‘The sculptors filled the Chandella art form with resilient vigor and breadth of life.’ Elucidate.
- How are climate change and the sea level rise affecting the very existence of many island nations? Discuss with examples.
- What are non-farm primary activities? How are these activities related to physiographic features in India? Discuss with suitable examples.
- Explain briefly the ecological and economic benefits of solar energy generation in India with suitable examples.
- What are Tsunamis? How and where are they formed? What are their consequences? Explain with examples.
- How does a smart city in India address the issues of urban poverty and distributive justice?
- The ethos of civil service in India stands for the combination of professionalism with nationalistic consciousness – Elucidate.
- Do you think that globalization results in only an aggressive consumer culture? Justify your answer.
Section B – 250 Words (15 Marks Each)
- Mahatma Jyotirao Phule’s writings and efforts of social reforms touched issues of almost all subaltern classes. Discuss.
- Trace India’s consolidation process during early phase of independence in terms of polity, economy, education, and international relations.
- The French Revolution has enduring relevance to the contemporary world. Explain.
- Give a geographical explanation of the distribution of offshore oil reserves of the world. How are they different from the onshore occurrences of oil reserves?
- How can Artificial Intelligence (AI) and drones be effectively used along with GIS and RS techniques in locational and areal planning?
- Discuss how the changes in shape and sizes of continents and ocean basins of the planet take place due to tectonic movements of the crustal masses.
- Discuss the distribution and density of population in the Ganga River Basin with special reference to land, soil, and water resources.
- How do you account for the growing fast food industries given that there are increased health concerns in modern society? Illustrate your answer with the Indian experience.
- Achieving sustainable growth with emphasis on environmental protection could come into conflict with poor people’s needs in a country like India – Comment.
- Does tribal development in India centre around two axes, those of displacement and of rehabilitation? Give your opinion.
WITH DEMANDS OF THE QUESTIONS :
Section A – 150 Words (10 Marks Each)
- 1. Discuss the salient features of the Harappan architecture
- Demand: Describe the key features of Harappan urban planning and architecture.
- Introduction: Briefly introduce the Harappan Civilization and its significance in urban planning.
- Main Body:
- grid-pattern streets, planned cities (Mohenjo-Daro, Harappa)
- Houses with baked bricks, flat roofs, private bathrooms
- Public structures: Great Bath, granaries, citadels
- Advanced drainage and sanitation systems
- Standardized bricks, weights, and measures
- Conclusion: Harappan architecture reflects advanced civic sense, planning, and socio-economic organization.
- 2. Examine the main aspects of Akbar’s religious syncretism
- Demand: Analyze Akbar’s religious policies and practices promoting tolerance.
- Introduction: Contextualize Akbar’s rule and the religious diversity of his empire.
- Main Body:
- Abolition of jizya; inclusion of Hindus in administration
- Sulh-i-Kul policy (universal peace)
- Ibadat Khana debates with scholars of different religions
- Respect for festivals, interfaith marriages
- Din-i-Ilahi experiment for moral-religious synthesis
- Conclusion: Akbar’s syncretism reduced religious tensions and promoted unity and cultural synthesis.
3. ‘The sculptors filled the Chandella artform with resilient vigor and breadth of life.’ Elucidate
Demand: Explain how Chandella sculptors depicted life, energy, and realism.
Introduction: Introduce Chandella dynasty and Khajuraho temples.
Main Body:
Sculptures of gods, humans, and daily life in dynamic poses
High-relief carvings showing anatomy, motion, emotion
Erotic sculptures symbolizing fertility and human experience
Integration of art with religious narratives
Aesthetic balance and visual vigor
Conclusion: Chandella sculpture exemplifies artistic excellence, social and religious life, and vitality of medieval India.
4. How are climate change and sea-level rise affecting island nations?
Demand: Discuss impacts of climate change and sea-level rise on island nations.
Introduction: Define climate change and sea-level rise.
Main Body:
Melting glaciers and thermal expansion causing sea-level rise
Low-lying islands at risk: Maldives, Tuvalu, Kiribati
Impacts: flooding, erosion, salinization, loss of livelihood
Extreme events: cyclones, storm surges
Adaptation measures: seawalls, elevated settlements, international support
Conclusion: Sea-level rise poses existential threats; mitigation and adaptation are essential.
5. What are non-farm primary activities? How are these related to physiographic features in India?
Demand: Define non-farm primary activities and link them to geography.
Introduction: Define non-farm primary activities (mining, forestry, fishing).
Main Body:
Mining in Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh (coal, iron)
Fishing along coasts (Gujarat, Kerala, TN)
Forest products in NE and Western Ghats
Himalayan resources: hydro, medicinal plants
Physiography (soil, topography, climate) influences activity location
Conclusion: Non-farm activities are shaped by physical environment and support regional economy.
6. Explain briefly the ecological and economic benefits of solar energy generation in India
Demand: Explain ecological and economic advantages of solar energy.
Introduction: Importance of renewable energy and India’s solar potential.
Main Body:
Ecological: reduces carbon emissions, mitigates climate change
Economic: job creation, energy security, cost reduction
Examples: Rajasthan & Gujarat solar parks, rooftop solar
Benefits for agriculture: solar-powered irrigation
Government initiatives: National Solar Mission, subsidies
Conclusion: Solar energy supports sustainable development and economic growth.
7. What are Tsunamis? How and where are they formed? What are their consequences?
Demand: Define, explain causes, location, and consequences of tsunamis.
Introduction: Define tsunami as a long-wavelength sea wave.
Main Body:
Causes: undersea earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides
Locations: Pacific Ring of Fire, Indian Ocean
Effects: coastal flooding, loss of life, erosion, salinization
Economic & social impacts: fisheries, tourism, infrastructure
Mitigation: early warning systems, evacuation
Conclusion: Tsunamis have devastating human and economic consequences; preparedness is crucial.
8. How does smart city in India address urban poverty and distributive justice?
Demand: Analyze role of smart cities in reducing poverty and promoting equity.
Introduction: Introduce Smart City Mission and objectives.
Main Body:
Improved infrastructure: housing, sanitation, water supply
Digital governance and e-services improve access
Participatory planning empowers marginalized communities
Economic opportunities via skill development and employment
Green spaces and sustainable infrastructure enhance livability
Conclusion: Smart cities aim for inclusive development and equitable urban services.
9. The ethos of civil service in India stands for the combination of professionalism with nationalistic consciousness
Demand: Discuss professional and nationalistic aspects of Indian civil service.
Introduction: Define civil service ethos.
Main Body:
Professionalism: efficiency, expertise, neutrality, accountability
Nationalistic consciousness: commitment to nation-building, policy implementation
Training & ethics: LBSNAA, moral courage, public service values
Balancing administrative skills with ethical responsibility
Conclusion: Civil service ethos integrates professional competence with devotion to national interests.
10. Do you think that globalization results in only an aggressive consumer culture? Justify your answer
Demand: Analyze whether globalization is limited to consumerism; justify with examples.
Introduction: Define globalization and its facets.
Main Body:
Consumerist aspect: global brands, materialism, lifestyle changes
Counterpoint: globalization enables trade, knowledge sharing, cultural exchange
Indian example: startups, artisans, IT exports benefit globally
Effects on culture, economy, and society are multifaceted
Conclusion: Globalization is not solely consumerist; it has multiple positive and negative dimensions.
Section B – 250 Words (15 Marks Each)
11. Mahatma Jyotirao Phule’s writings and efforts of social reforms touched issues of almost all subaltern classes. Discuss
Demand: Discuss Phule’s reform efforts and how they addressed marginalized communities.
Introduction: Introduce Jyotirao Phule as a 19th-century social reformer focusing on caste, gender, and education.
Main Body:
Focus on untouchables, lower castes, and women’s education
Founded schools for girls and marginalized castes
Critiqued Brahmanical dominance and social hierarchy
Worked with Savitribai Phule to empower oppressed communities
Social reforms included widow remarriage, anti-caste oppression movements
Advocated for economic and social upliftment of subaltern classes
Conclusion: Phule’s reform efforts impacted education, social equality, and empowerment, influencing modern social justice movements.
12. Trace India’s consolidation process during early phase of independence in terms of polity, economy, education, and international relations
Demand: Explain political, economic, educational, and international consolidation post-1947.
Introduction: India’s initial post-independence phase was focused on nation-building.
Main Body:
Polity: Constitution (1950), integration of princely states, democratic institutions
Economy: Five-Year Plans, industrialization, land reforms
Education: Expansion of schools and universities, literacy initiatives
International Relations: Non-alignment, peaceful coexistence, UN participation
Challenges: communal tensions, economic backwardness, regional disparities
Conclusion: Consolidation laid foundations for political stability, economic development, educational growth, and international presence.
13. The French Revolution has enduring relevance to the contemporary world. Explain
Demand: Analyze the lasting impact of French Revolution on modern politics and society.
Introduction: French Revolution (1789–1799) transformed social, political, and economic structures.
Main Body:
Ideas of liberty, equality, fraternity influence modern democracy
Abolition of feudal privileges inspired global social reforms
Rise of secularism and citizen rights
Inspired revolutions and independence movements worldwide
Principles reflected in constitutions and human rights frameworks
Conclusion: The Revolution remains relevant for understanding democracy, human rights, and social justice globally.
14. Give a geographical explanation of the distribution of offshore oil reserves of the world. How are they different from the onshore occurrences of oil reserves?
Demand: Explain offshore oil distribution and contrast with onshore reserves.
Introduction: Define offshore and onshore oil reserves; their global importance.
Main Body:
Offshore reserves: Gulf of Mexico, North Sea, Persian Gulf, Brazil coast
Onshore reserves: Middle East, Venezuela, Russia, India (Mumbai High)
Formation: similar organic origin, but offshore involves marine sedimentation
Extraction: offshore requires specialized rigs; onshore is relatively easier
Economic and technological challenges differ
Conclusion: Offshore and onshore reserves are geographically and technologically distinct, complementing global energy supply.
15. How can Artificial Intelligence (AI) and drones be effectively used along with GIS and RS techniques in locational and a real planning?
Demand: Explain application of AI, drones, GIS, and RS in planning.
Introduction: Emerging technologies support efficient spatial and regional planning.
Main Body:
AI: predictive modeling, urban traffic management, resource optimization
Drones: mapping, real-time monitoring, disaster management
GIS: spatial analysis, land-use planning, environmental assessment
RS (Remote Sensing): land cover mapping, monitoring urban expansion
Integration allows data-driven decisions, resource allocation, and sustainable development
Conclusion: Combined technologies enhance precision, efficiency, and sustainability in locational and areal planning.
16. Discuss how the changes in shape and sizes of continents and ocean basins of the planet take place due to tectonic movements of the crustal masses
Demand: Explain tectonic processes causing continental and oceanic changes.
Introduction: Earth’s lithosphere is dynamic; plate tectonics reshape continents and oceans.
Main Body:
Continental drift and plate movements cause collision, subduction, rifting
Formation of mountains (Himalayas) and ocean trenches (Mariana)
Sea-floor spreading enlarges ocean basins (Atlantic)
Continental breakup (Pangaea → Gondwana, Laurasia)
Earthquakes, volcanic activity, and isostasy contribute to shape changes
Conclusion: Tectonic movements continuously reshape land and ocean structures over geological time.
17. Discuss the distribution and density of population in the Ganga River Basin with special reference to land, soil, and water resources
Demand: Analyze population patterns in Ganga basin based on physical geography.
Introduction: Ganga basin is India’s most populous riverine region.
Main Body:
Fertile alluvial soil attracts dense agricultural population
Flat plains facilitate settlement, transport, and irrigation
Availability of perennial water resources supports agriculture and industries
Regional variations: dense in Indo-Gangetic plains; sparse in upper reaches
Urbanization near river confluences and industrial hubs
Conclusion: Physical resources strongly influence population distribution and density in the Ganga basin.
18. How do you account for the growing fast food industries given that there are increased health concerns in modern society? Illustrate your answer with the Indian experience
Demand: Explain factors behind fast food growth despite health issues; Indian examples.
Introduction: Fast food consumption is rising globally and in India.
Main Body:
Urbanization, higher disposable income, lifestyle changes
Marketing, brand appeal, convenience, globalization
Cultural acceptance and youth preference in India
Health concerns: obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular risks
Indian examples: McDonald’s, Domino’s, local chains expanding rapidly
Conclusion: Convenience and lifestyle factors drive fast food growth despite health concerns.
19. Achieving sustainable growth with emphasis on environmental protection could come into conflict with poor people’s needs in a country like India – Comment
Demand: Analyze conflict between sustainability and developmental needs of the poor.
Introduction: Sustainable development seeks environmental protection while ensuring economic growth.
Main Body:
Environmental measures may restrict livelihood (forest conservation, mining, industrial limits)
Poor communities depend on natural resources for survival
Need for inclusive policies: eco-friendly employment, renewable energy access, social safeguards
Examples: displacement due to dams, wildlife protection zones
Conclusion: Balancing sustainability and poverty alleviation requires careful planning and inclusive development strategies.
20. Does tribal development in India centre around two axes, those of displacement and of rehabilitation? Give your opinion
Demand: Examine if tribal development revolves around displacement and rehabilitation; provide opinion.
Introduction: Tribal development is complex and multidimensional.
Main Body:
Displacement due to dams, mines, industrial projects
Rehabilitation policies: resettlement, livelihood programs, education
Criticism: incomplete compensation, loss of cultural identity
Broader development: health, education, skill development, political empowerment
Opinion: tribal development should integrate socio-economic growth, rights, and cultural preservation beyond just displacement-rehabilitation
Conclusion: Development must be holistic; not limited to mitigating displacement but ensuring sustainable and inclusive progress for tribal communities.